Relive Orson Welles' infamous radio dramatization 75 years after the mass hysteria event it spawned. The film examines the elements that made America ripe for the hoax: America's longtime fascination with life on Mars; the emergence of radio as a powerful new medium; the shocking Hindenburg explosion of 1937; and Welles himself, the 23-year-old wunderkind director of the drama and mischief-maker supreme.

Interesting look at the famous broadcast of 1938 from letters from the public after Orson Welles Halloween broadcast. Overly stressed the impact as they only covered people "tricked" not the vast majority who knew it was a show - which was mentioned a number of times during the broadcast. Mainly reenactments.

How the producers managed to make their history of the "War of the Worlds" phenomenon a dull one is the most remarkable feature of this American Experience episode. Using obvious actors to "recreate" actual witnesses' experiences to the event was a cheap resort, and it shows. No child will believe they're real. And Welles' and Housman's collective genius in choosing the subject matter for a Mercury Theatre radio presentation is merely averred to, as though it were just something to do. The subject deserves a new American Experience examination--next time, make it for adults and believe me, the kids will get it and be grateful.

I heard this first hand when I was 8 years old, and already loved Mr. Welles and his crew! I knew what it was all about, as Mother and I listened every week. I was never made aware of the uproar until many years later. Terrific talent, Mr. Welles... Great show! I will love having my own copy!